Proms don't have to break the bank

Many local flower shops often run specials on corsages during prom season.
(Staten Island Advance File Photo)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - ALL SHORES - With less than two weeks left to the month, prom promotions are popping up around town.

Beautiful full-length gowns in jewel hues are framed in windowed storefronts and formal "penguin suits" for the men are once again a hot commodity.

But prom season need not be dress- or stress-season. Creating a perfect night filled with age-appropriate fun is easier than you think. Check out these recommendations.

BUDGET DUDS

Picking the perfect outfit does not mean spending part of your college fund.

Although prom should be memorable, 10 years from now, when you look at pictures, chances are the first words out of your mouth will be, "What the heck was I thinking?"

So go for chic, but cheap, on the dress and tux rental. For a great deal on party dresses for frames of any size, visit Macy's at the Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville.

With prices that start at $25, (yes I actually bought a beautiful, cream-colored cocktail length dress for $25 a few weeks ago), Macy's has options on colors, styles, and brand names.

For boys who want to be black-tie ready, visit dad's closet before you hit the local tuxedo rental shop. Believe it or not, your dad's formal clothing may be trendy enough to wear to your prom, depending on size.

Or, look for dark slacks, a salmon-colored shirt, black tie and a black blazer. Alternatively, pair cream khakis with a red, button-down shirt, white tie and either a cream or white blazer. Looks like these can be funky and fun all at the same time.

GROOMING TIPS

Being well groomed is a must for prom. Ladies, luckily, the trend for nails is au naturel!

Don't invest valuable time and money getting extravagant nail designs. Simply swipe on a cotton swab filled with nail polish remover, to make sure your nails are clean, and then paint with your favorite shade of pink, violet or clear polish. The same goes for the toes.

Gentlemen, your date is going to want a suave, sophisticated man with whom to walk hand and hand.

Start applying hand lotion days before prom, to get your palms touchably soft. In addition, get your hair cut at least a week before prom night. Never wait until the last minute to change your hairstyle.

Finally, there is nothing wrong with a facial two nights before prom. (This allows time for your pores to close.) Biore Facial Cleansing Strips and an inexpensive mud mask from your local drug store should do the trick.

RIDE IT OUT

Usually half the fun of prom is how you get there. Chauffeur-driven limos are still the standard, but they can be a budget-buster. Why not gather together a sizable group of friends and ask everyone to chip in for a party bus? Pinnacle Limousine Service (www.pinnaclelimousine.com or 800-808-8656) has an outstanding prom special. has an outstanding prom special. Rent their outfitted party bus for just $83 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

You can enjoy a safe night by stocking the bus with your favorite soft drinks, water and snacks to enjoy before and after the event itself.

When the prom ends, your fun doesn't have to. Remember that 10-hour party bus rental? Make sure the driver knows what the after-party game-plan is, in advance.

First stop: Picture-taking in St. George along the waterfront. The New York City skyline, perhaps even a passing ferry, will make a beautiful backdrop to any digitally-saved memory.

After the pictures are done, it is really time to party, so change out of those uncomfortable high heels or patent leather wingtips and get ready to dance at any one of New York City's fantastic after-prom parties. Visit www.afterprom.com to check out a list of alcohol-free clubs and cruises specifically designed to make post-prom as much fun as the prom itself. Prices per ticket start at $45 per person.